Judiciary’s dignity must be upheld at all costs 

October 14, 2025

Abhishek Vij

Since the incident of a 72-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, throwing a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during a hearing in the Supreme Court on October 6th last week, various statements have been made regarding the dignity of the judiciary. The country’s intelligentsia is outraged that the dignity of the judiciary should not have been violated. However, there is also a group of people who, directly or indirectly, do not refrain from advising the Chief Justice that the lawyer should not have made the comment regarding the restoration of the idol of Lord Vishnu, which caused the accused’s anger. We believe that the dignity of the judiciary must be maintained at all costs.

No matter what the issue, undermining the dignity of the judiciary is inexcusable. It deserves condemnation. India is often referred to as the world’s largest democracy. It is considered to have four major pillars, of which the judiciary is considered the most important. Two institutions are highly respected in India: one is the Indian Army, which has always defeated the enemy and kept the national flag high. The other is the judiciary, about which it is said that no matter how big a case or how controversial the issue, it separates the wheat from the chaff. Yet, the reputation of this very judiciary has been tarnished, and it is sad that some parties have found an opportunity to politicize this issue.

Some opposition leaders, because the Chief Justice is a Dalit, have even made statements that the attack on him is an attack on the entire Dalit community. Making such statements is tantamount to adding fuel to the fire. Such statements can be considered an attempt to incite the sentiments of a community and polarize it for personal gain. It is worth noting that during his recent address at an event, CJI BR Gavai said that this incident is unforgettable for him and his colleagues. Such incidents cannot distract him. Even when this incident occurred on October 6th, the CJI continued with the court proceedings and did not allow any disruption.
The Honorable Chief Justice has previously clarified that he respects all religions and cannot advocate for any one religion. Former Attorney General and advocate Mukul Rohatgi also asserted that the Chief Justice respects all religions and has participated equally in their religious ceremonies. Meanwhile, the accused of throwing a shoe at the CJI has no regrets for his actions. He stated that if God wills, he will commit a similar act again.

Despite this, Chief Justice Gavai has been widely praised for his maturity since the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said after the incident that “every Indian is outraged by such an act. He appreciates the seriousness and patience shown by Justice Gavai in such a situation.” Indeed, Justice Gavai’s lack of anger demonstrates his commitment to the values ​​of justice. After so much time has passed, this issue should not be politicized. Politicians and religious leaders should also refrain from making unnecessary statements. Maintaining the dignity of the judiciary in this country is not only the responsibility of the government, but also the ultimate duty of all Indians.